Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Time, part 2 - Role of a Disciple

This is the second installment of a series on time. Today, we are exploring the role of disciple. As a Christian, my primary allegiance is to Jesus. I believe it is this allegiance and loyalty that defines the parameters for all the other roles.

The word "disciple" means learner. It begins by hearing and heeding the call of Jesus to "follow him" (Luke 9:23-26).

Therefore, part of the time investment is "learning" from Jesus and about Jesus so that we live like Jesus - following his example as the one who lived in complete communion with the Father. It is time listening to him and learning from him (Luke 10:38-42).

John 15:1-8 is a significant passage that helps us understand the value of time invested in listening to Jesus as his follower. One of the main phrases in this section is "abide in" Christ. It is remaining in him - consciously and intentionally being mindful of our identity as one of his disciples and being faithful to his teaching, mission, and example.

It is the abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) that informs and instructs the investment of our time, particularly as we prioritize listening to Jesus and obeying his leading through the Word and the Spirit as it permeates all parts of our life.

In what ways are we listening to Jesus, sitting at his feet, learning and then following?

I heard one report claim that 40% of those who claim to be born again do not read their bibles between Sundays---I guess expecting "one meal" on Sunday to last them all week. How's our spiritual diet?

My time invested in "listening to Jesus" affects the other roles that God has given to me as husband, father, and pastor. Though Jesus was a very busy man in 3 and 1/2 years of ministry, he "always" listened to his Father. In fact, that was his food; doing the Father's will. He was never out of sync because he was always in sync with His Father.